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Big-name Bitcoin mining company stakes its HQ in Austin, making it new cryptocurrency hub

Bitcoin is a digital currency that is mined by companies like Blockcap that use blockchain technology to create and record currency.
Elon Musk and girlfriend Grimes may have brought a high-profile love for cryptocurrency to Austin, but the city is now also host to one of the largest blockchain technology companies in North America.
Blockcap, a company dedicated to bringing Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies out of the shadows and mining for cryptocurrency, is moving its headquarters from Las Vegas to Austin. The company was welcomed by the nation's newest tech hub and was even applauded by former Texas governor Rick Perry for making the move.
Blockcap founder and executive chairman Darin Feinstein said that Austin is the next big thig when it comes to cryptocurrency.
"Austin is our home base from which we will pursue our mission and bring this great city closer to the center of the United States' blockchain technology ecosystem," Feinstein said. "We also see the city as an ideal location from which to continue expanding our operations as we grow at both national and international levels."
With the all-digital Bitcoin, record-keeping, creating currency and using bitcoin can all be done by the same entity.
Blockchain technology, which Blockcap utilizes, serves as the closest thing to a bank for decentralized Bitcoin currency. By mining for bitcoin, Bitcoin users actually create currency as they use software, or "miners," to solve complex math problems. Bitcoin miners then record these transactions and make a safer currency network.
On Monday, the company announced it had added 8,000 miners to its repertoire and said it would soon surpass 50,000 miners in its supply.
Blockcap already accounts for 0.7% of all Bitcoin transactions, and with the 50,000 miners fully operational in the next year, it will only continue to grow its share.
Next up, Ethereum. Blockcap's announcement Monday came with a new up-and-coming cryptocurrency. Ethereum, which is the world's second-largest digital currency by market capitalization, has been used as a currency for Grimes' NFT artwork. It's considered the "next big thing" in cryptocurrency, especially when it comes to selling in the skyrocketing digital art and collectibles market, and Blockcap is ready to bring it into its arsenal.
The company announced that it would purchase Ethereum miners as another facet of its aggressive growth plan and it estimates it will account for 0.21% of the entire Ethereum network when its miners are fully operational.
Feinstein said the company is motivated to grow because it hopes to make the U.S. the forefront of mainstream Bitcoin use.
"Blockcap's growth strategy is focused on bringing various peer-to-peer digital assets directly to the people who will utilize them to improve their lives," Feinstein said. "We strive to contribute to the critical infrastructure necessary for mass adoption of these digital asset technologies so people can participate more fully in the global financial system. Currently, there are over 1.7 billion people around the world with no access to banking, and the rise of these digital asset networks will make financial products more inclusive and available to every individual."
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Popular
(Gulfstream)
Elon Musk has placed an order for a new, top-of-the-line private jet: a Gulfstream G700, Austonia has learned. Delivery is expected in early 2023.
Billed as offering “the most spacious cabin in history,” the aircraft seats 19 and soars above the rest of us at up to 51,000 feet. Base price: $78 million.
The Gulfstream G700 was awarded the 2022 International Yacht & Aviation Award for excellence in cabin design this year. (Gulfstream)
According to the Gulfstream website, the G700 can fly up to 7,500 nautical miles without refueling, enough range to fly nonstop from Austin to Hong Kong. Powered by two Rolls-Royce engines, it has its own Wi-Fi system, 20 oval windows measuring 28” x 21”, and two lavatories.
The sweet new ride will replace his current top-of-line private jet: a 2015 Gulfstream G650, the aircraft that has been made somewhat famous by the automated @elonjet Twitter account, which tracks and reports his personal aircraft’s movements using public data.
Landed in Austin, Texas, US. Apx. flt. time 44 Mins. pic.twitter.com/jZ7HI0i4iV
— ElonJet (@ElonJet) June 24, 2022
Musk has repeatedly championed “free speech” as a guiding ethic in his planned purchase of Twitter. Last December, Musk offered the teenager who built the @elonjet tracker $50,000 to shut it down, citing security concerns. It’s still up.
According to the @elonjet account, Musk’s jet last traveled to Austin, where it’s been since June 23. The associated data says that his flight to Austin burned $2,573 worth of aviation fuel and discharged 4 tons of carbon dioxide.
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(Valencia Hotel Group)
Live music and beer? Say no more. With a location in Austin, and others throughout Texas, the court hotels by the Valencia Hotel Group have a new offering for weekend stays: Live Music & Longnecks.
Enjoy live music all weekend long and check out the hotels’ state-of-the-art amenities between sets. Make a splash in the pool, enjoy outdoor fire pits, or challenge your friends in a yard game while enjoying a weekend full of live music! Did we mention the package includes deluxe accommodations and a bucket of beer? Oh, and if you needed more convincing, this pet-friendly hotel means the whole family can join in on the fun.
The hotels
Explore any of the Court Hotels by Valencia Hotel Group for a memorable escape. Each property offers a unique experience remnant of yesteryear but with all of the modern amenities that make for a fun and comfortable stay. With acres of landscaped courtyards, relax and unwind in an outdoor environment perfect for doing everything or absolutely nothing at all. With locations in Austin, College Station, Irving, and Lubbock your urban retreat has never been so close.
The music
Locals and travelers alike are invited to enjoy the deep roots of Texas music all summer long with a robust lineup of live performances. From the banks of the San Antonio Riverwalk to Irving’s manicured streets, Valencia’s hotels are a place to gather and reconnect, offering uniquely Texan settings for the weekly performances.
“We’re proud of the community we’ve fostered among Texas musicians and the many rising stars who perform at our properties,” says Amy Trench, corporate director of brand marketing & PR for Valencia Hotel Group.
In Austin, you can catch good ol’ fashioned Texas country by Drew Moreland and Clayton Gardner, bluegrass by Reagan Quinn, and much, much more.
With unique programming at each of Valencia’s properties, there’s something for everyone to enjoy all summer long.
The perks
If you’re a Valencia Hotel Group Rewards member, the perks are plentiful. Enjoy up to 10% off the Best Available Rate, and for a limited time, members can save up to 15% off a stay of 2 nights or more, for select stays in 2022.
But that’s really just the beginning. At select locations, you can enjoy discounts on weeknight stays, a complimentary third night, or curated packages for a romantic getaway or a night of watching the Verde at Q2 Stadium. You’ll also find special rates for AAA and AARP Members, educators, and front-line heroes including military, law enforcement, fire, and rescue workers.